Distance-thermometer.



1. F. 1. MALONE.

DISTANCE THERMOMETER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT-20. 1916.

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1. F. 1. MALONE,

DISTANCE THERMO METER. APPLlCATION FILED SEPT-20. 191s.

Patented Nov. 12, 1918.

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JOHN FOX JENNENS MALONE, 0F NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND, ASSIGNOR TOTHE SENTINEL COMPANY, LIMITED, 0F NEWGASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND.

DISTANCE-THERMOMETER.

Application filed September 20, 1916.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN Fox JENNnNs MALONE, a subject of the King ofGreat Britain, residing in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in and Relating toDistance-Thermometers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in and relating to so-calleddistance thermometers in which the vessel or chamber in which it isdesired to ascertain the temperature is located at a point more or lessremote or inaccessible from the indicator itself and in which provisioni made for compensating for the expansion of fluid outside the mainreceptacle such provision comprising two tubes, one of which leads tothe bulb within the receptacle while the other terminates outside thesaid bulb. The tubes just above referred to have previously each beenconnected to indicating tubes preferably of glass of an internaldiameter such that motion of the free surface of the liquid therein maybe of convenient amplitude.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improvedthermometer of the type ,referred to, and in which provision is madewhereby errors due to thermal changes acting upon the connecting tubeare avoided.

As distinguished from the known arrangements, according to thisinvention, I provide a central balanced column of sensitive liquid. Thewhole system is moreover closed so that difficulties of transport areavoided. The invention further provides certain improvements whereby Iam enabled to secure a large or comparatively large volume of liquid,without requiring that the instru ment shall be of such dimensions as torender it unwieldy.

In practice when using liquids which do not vaporize at normalatmospheric temperatures mercury for example I use a tube bent in theform of a double inverted U forming an inner or middle upright Utherebetween and I generally place the inner U in front of the outerlegs, but they can be disposed in any plane as long as the balancedcentral liquid is maintained. The metal compensating pipe is joined toone leg of this double inverted U tube, the metal pipe coming from thebulb is joined to the other leg of the double inverted U tube. The le elof Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 12, 1918.

Serial No. 121,139.

the liquid in the outer legs is above the metal and glass joint. In theinner limbs of the double inverted U tube is a separate parcel ofliquid. Between the center and outer bodies of the liquid is a gas or agaseous mixture under such pressure as will secure efficient working.

In order that the invention may be the better understood drawings areappended in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of a form of theinvention.

Fig. 2 is a side view.

Fig. 3 is a plan or a top view.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional plan taken on line 1313 Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a front view with the front of the case removed.

Fig. 6 is a side view with the side wall of the case removed.

Fig. 7 is a back view with the back removed.

Referring to the accompanying drawings 19 indicates a case within whichis arranged a scale 20, and a double inverted U- tube formed of glassand containing a sensitive liquid. The case is provided with a cover 22having an opening therein through which the scale and one limb of theindicating tube is visible. The case at the back is provided with lugs23 whereby it may be secured to a suitable support. 24 indicates a boardor partition supporting the indicating tube, which tube in the presentinstance is of a double inverted U-shaped outline, the rear limbs 25being disposed in a plane behind the plane of the front limbs 26 asshown in Figs. 41- to 7, the said rear limbs being disposed at the backof the partition 24 and terminating at a point approximately in thecenter of the length of the other limbs. In order to obtain a large orcomparatively large volume of fluid without increasing the length of theU tube, whereby the instrument would be unduly largeand unwieldly, thebore of the limbs 25 is of somewhat larger diameter than the bore of theinner limb 26, such enlargement being obtained either by bubbles blowntherein or by means of a parallel enlargement. Cleats or clips indicatedby 27 are provided to retain the indicating tube in position upon thepartition 24:. Connected in any suitable manner to the ends of the rearlimbs of the tube 25 are platinum or other tubes 28 which tubes in theirturn are connected to other tubes 29, 30, retained in position by meansof a washer and screw 7 or any other suitable'means. The tubes 29 and 30are contained in a flexible outer tube 48 connected to the lower end ofthe bulb 44 by means of a union 45. The tube 30 is connected to the bulb4C4 while the tube 29 is closed at the end and stops just short of thebulb 4A- as shown in Fig. 1. The tubes 30 and 29 which are respectivelyconnected to the bulb and terminate at a point outside said bulb, arefilled with the liquid and the rear limbs 25 of the indicating tube, aswell as the front limbs 26, are partly filled with the said liquid, thespaces above the liquid in the respective limbs being filled with a gasor gaseous mixture. The scale 20 is fixed in any suitable manner to thepartition 24. In the example illustrated the limbs 25 of the tube arepreferably provided with a series of bulbous enlargements indicated by25 although if desired the bore may be of the same size throughout.Instead of this, however, the front portion of the tube may have a boreof less diameter than the rest of the tube for any desired portion ofits length, or bulbs or bubbles can be bloWn in the inner U so that anamplified movement of the fluid is obtained, and between any twospecified temperatures a wide open scale may be employed.

In use, if heat is applied to the bulb, the liquid therein expands, andflows up the metal pipe 80 and up one rear limb of the indicating tube,the gas is compressed and the liquid is moved in the front limbs of thetube behind one of which is the scale from which the temperature may beread off. Should heat be applied to both the tubes 29, 30 the liquidexpandsand rises in each of the limbs 25, equally compressing each headof gas therein, no movement of the liquid in the front limbs 26 takingplace and consequently there is no change in the level thereof. Shouldheat be applied to the indicating part of the thermometer, the pressureof the gas will rise equally in all the limbs of the double U tube andthe level of the liquid will again remain constant.

The gas being under pressure keeps the liquid in place in the limbs ofthe tube and consequently should the bulb be situated at a higher levelthan the level of the indicator the readings are not afi ected.

The internal diameter of the tube being small the level of the liquidsis unaffected should the instrument be inclined or even turned upsidedown. By this -means the need for special care in the packing ortransport of the instrument is not required.

Claims:

1. In a distance thermometer, the combinationof a rigid indicating tubecomprising a rigid main U-shaped portion having its arms bent uponthemselves to form lateral U-shaped portions; a bulb; extension tubesjoined to the free ends of said lateral portions and extending to thebulb, the free end of one of the extension tubes being closed and theother eXtension tube communicating with the bulb; indicating liquid inthe main U-shaped portion; sensitive liquid filling all of the bulb andextension tubes; and a compressible gas or gaseous mixture filling allof both lateral portions between said fillings.

2. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid indicating tubecomprising a rigid main U-shaped portion having its arms bent uponthemselves to form lateral U- shaped portions; a bulb; extension tubesjoined to the free ends of said lateral portions and extending to thebulb, the free end of one of the extension tubes being closed and theother extension tube communicating with the bulb; indicating liquid inthe main U-shaped portion; sensitive liquid filling all of the bulb andextension tubes; and gas filling all of both lateral portions betweensaid fillings; all parts of said tubes and bulb being closed againstcommunication with the atmosphere.

3. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid indicating tubecomprising a rigid main U-shaped portion having its arms extendingupwardly and then downwardly into downwardly extending portions; a scaleassociated with the arms; a bulb; extension tubes connected to saiddownwardly extending portions and arranged side by side the free end ofone of the tubes being closed and terminating at said bulb an indicatingliquid in the lower part of the U-shaped portion; a sensitive liquidfilling. all of the bulb and the extension tubes and part of thedownwardly extending portions; and gas in the upper portions of botharms indicating tubes and filling all of the interior thereof betweensaid liquids.

4;. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid one pieceindicating tube comprising a main U-shaped portion having its armsextending upwardly and downwardly to form inverted U-s'haped portionsand thence downward into lower portions each having a series of bulbousenlargements therein; a scale disposed longitudinally of said arms; abulb; extension tubes arranged side by side and having communicationwith the lower ends of said lower portions, the free end of one of thetubes being closed and terminatingat said bulb, the free end of theother communicating with said bulb; an indicating liquid in the lowerpart of said main U-shaped portion; a sensitive liquid entirely fillingsaid bulb and said extension tubes and partly filling said lowerportions; and gas in both of said inverted U-shaped portions and fillingall of the interior of the one-piece tube between said liquids.

5. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid one pieceindicating tube comprising a main U-shaped portion having its armsextending upwardly and down wardly to form inverted U-shaped portionsand thence downward into lower portions; a scale disposed longitudinallyof said arms; a bulb; extension tubes arranged side by sid and havingcommunication with the lower ends of said lower portions, the free endof one of the tubes being closed and terminating at said bulb, the freeend of the other communicating with said bulb; an indicating liquid inthe lower part of said main U- shaped portion; a sensitive liquidentirely filling said bulb and said extension tubes and partly fillingsaid lower portions; and gas in both of said inverted U-shaped portionsand filling all of the interior of the one-piece tube between saidliquids.

6. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid one-pieceindicating tube comprising a main U-shaped portion having its armsextending upwardly and downwardly to form inverted U-shaped portions andthence downward into enlarged lower ,portions; a scale disposed{longitudinally of said arms; a bulb; extension tubes arranged side byside and having communication with the lower ends of said lowerportions, the free end of one of the tubes being closed and terminatingat said bulbthe free end of the other communicating with said bulb; anindicating liquid in the lower part of said main U-shaped portion; asensitive liquid entirely filling said bulb and said extension tubes andpartly filling said lower portions; and gas in both of said invertedU-shaped portions and filling all of the interior of the one-piece tubesbetween said liquids.

7 In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid one-pieceindicating tube comprising a main U-shaped portion having its armsextending upwardly and clownwardly to form inverted U-shaped portionsand thence downward into lower portions; a scale disposed longitudinallyof said arms; a bulb; extension tubes arranged side by side and havingrestricted communication with the lower ends of said lower portions, thefree end of one of the tubes being closed and terminating at said bulbthe free end of the other communicating with said bulb; an indicatingliquid in the lower part of said main U-shaped portion; a sensitiveliquid entirely filling said bulb and said extension tubes and partlyfilling said lower portions; and gas in both of said inverted U-shapedportions and filling all of the interior of the one-piece tubes betweensaid liquids.

8. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid one pieceindicating tube comprising a main U-shaped portion having its armsextending upwardly and downwardly to form inverted U-shaped portions andthence downward into lower portions; a scale disposed longitudinally ofsaid arms; a bulb; extension tubes arranged side by side and havingcommunication with the lower ends of said lower portions, the free endof one of the tubes being closed and terminating at said bulb, the freeend of the other communicating with said bulb; an indicating liquid inthe lower part of said main U-shaped' portion; a sensitive liquidentirely filling said bulb and said extension tubes and partly fillingsaid lower portions; and gas in both of said inverted U-shaped portionsand filling all of the interior of the one-piece tubes between saidliquids; the interior of said tubes being entirely free from branchesbranching therefrom.

9. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid one pieceindicating tube comprising a main U-shaped portion having its armsextending upwardly and downwardly to form inverted U-shaped portions andthence downward into lower portions; a scale disposed longitudinally ofsaid arms; a bulb; extension tubes arranged side by side and havingcommunication with the lower ends of said lower portions, the free endsof one of the tubes being closed and terminating at said bulb, the freeend of the other communicating with said bulb; an indicating liquid inthe lower part of said main U-shaped portion; a sensitive liquidentirely filling said bulb and said extension tubes and partly fillingsaid lower portions; and gas in both of said inverted U-shaped portionsand filling all of the interior of the one piece tubes between saidliquids; the interior of said bulb and tubes being entirely closed fromcommunication with the exterior atmosphere.

10. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid one pieceindicating tube comprising a main U-shaped portion having its armsextending upwardly and clownwardly to form inverted U-shaped portionsand thence dowvnward into enlarged lower portions having a series ofbulbous enlargements therein; a scale adjustable longitudinally of saidarms; a bulb; extension tubes arranged side by side and havingrestricted communication with the lower ends of said lower portions, thefree end of one of the tubes being closed and terminating at said bulb,the free end of the other communicating with said bulb; an indicatingliquid in the lower part of said main U- shaped portion; a sensitiveliquid entirely filling said bulb and said extension tubes and partlyfilling said lower portions; and compressed gas in both of said invertedU- shaped portions and filling all of the interior of the one-piecetubes between said liquids; the interior of said tubes being entirelyfree from branches branching therefrom; the interior of said bulb andtubes being entirely closed from communication with the exterioratmosphere.

11. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a rigid one pieceindicating tube comprising a U-shaped main portion having its armsextending upwardly backwardly and downwardly to form inverted U-shapedportions and continued into downwardly projecting enlarged portionsprovided with a series of bulbous enlargements; a scale associated withsaid arms; small tubes communicating with the lower ends of saiddownwardly projecting portions; a bulb; extension tubes connected to thelower ends of the small tubes and extending to the bulb, one of themcommunicating with the bulb and the other terminating in a closed end atthe bulb; .a sensitive liquid entirely filling said extension tubes andsaid downwardly proj ecting portions; an indicating liquid filling thelower part of the U-shaped main portion; and compressed gas in both ofsaid inverted U-shaped portions and filling all of the interior of theone piece tube between said liquids; the interior of said tubes andbulbs being free of branches branching therefrom and free fromcommunication with the exterior atmosphere.

12. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a case provided with apartition; a rigid one piece indicating tube comprising a U-shaped frontportion disposed on the front of said partition and continuedupwardly,rearwardly and downwardly to the rear of said partition intoenlarged rear portions provided with a series of enlargements, eachenlarged portion being about half the length of the front portion;ascale on said partition near said front portion; small tubes pendingfrom and communicating with. the lower ends of said rear portions; abulb; an extension tube connecting the lower end of one of said smalltubes to said bulb; a closed-end tube communicating with the lower endof the other small tube and disposed adjacent to said extension tube toa point adjacent to said bulb; a sensitive liquid entirely filling saidbulb, closed-end tube extension tube, and small tubes and partly fillingsaid rear portions; an inclicating liquid filling the lower part of saidU-shaped portion; and a compressed gas in both arms of said U-shapedportion and filling all of the interior of the one piece tube betweensaid liquids; the interior of said tubes and bulb being free frombranches branching therefrom and free from connnunication with theoutside atmosphere.

13. In a distance thermometer, the combination of a case provided with atransparent cover; a partition in said case parallel with and spacedfrom said cover; a rigid one piece indicating tube comprising a U-shapedfront portion having parallel arn'is of constant diameter disposedsubstantially from bottom to top of the front of said partition andcontinued rearwardly and downwardly behind said'partition into enlargedrear portions about half the length of the front portions, each enlargedportion being provided with a series enlargements; a scale on the frontof said partition in close proximity to one of said arms; small platinumtubes communicating with and pending from the lower ends of saidenlarged portions; a bulb; an extension tube connecting the free end ofone of said small tubes to said bulb; a closed-end tube connected to andcommunicating with the free end of the other small tube and disposedclose to the GX- tension tube throughout the length of the latter to apoint adjacent to the bulb; a sensitive liquid entirely filling saidbulb, extension tube, closed-end tube and small tubes and partly fillingsaid enlarged portions; an indicating liquid filling the lower part ofsaid U-shaped front portion; and a compressed gas filling all of botharms of the one piece tube between said liquids, all parts of theinterior of said tubes and bulb being free from branches and free fromcommunication with the outside atmosphere.

In testimony whereof I aifiX my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN FOX JENNENS MALONE.

WVitnesses:

DoUeLAs Monnrs, ROBERT SI-IEEL.

copies of this patent may be obtained for five centl each, by addressingthe Gommislioner of Patents. Washington, D. G.

